asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if bread from the Six Counties, which is being sold in the Twenty-six Counties, is subsidised; and, if so, if similar assistance is being afforded to our bakeries who are desirous of selling in the Six Counties.

The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is "No". In the circumstances the second part of the Deputy's question does not arise.

I would ask the Minister to reinvestigate. He will find that bread coming into the Twenty-six Counties from the Six Counties is, in fact, subsidised. There is no question of doubt about that and, that being so, would the same consideration be given to our bakeries to enable them to compete in the Six Counties? There is no question but that there is a subsidy element in bread being sold here from across the border.

As the former Minister will be aware, every parliamentary question submitted is well and truly investigated and the information I have is that no subsidy is involved. If the Deputy has information to the contrary and he makes it available to me I will be delighted to have the matter investigated further.

Could the Minister explain why bread from Northern Ireland sold here can be sold cheaper than bread baked in the Twenty-six Counties?

I cannot explain that.

Surely the Minister has some responsibility for an investigation into this because it is a very serious situation if imported bread can be sold cheaper than bread baked in the Republic.

On the information available to me there is no subsidy involved. If I get an individual case I will certainly have it examined.

Could the Minister say whether bakeries in the United Kingdom have an advantage through the price structure under the MCAs.

That I could not say.

Does the Minister of State think that possibly may be the reason?

It is possible. Anything is possible.